BOATER’S CHECKLIST Items Required by Montana or Federal Law* Pre-launch Checklist Emergency Gear  Wearable Life Jackets (Types I, II or III)  Complete check for leaks; boat plug in  Throw Rope/Bag  Throwable PFD (Type IV for boats 16’ or  Motor in good operating condition  Signaling Mirror longer)  Propeller in good condition  Whistle (on life jacket)  Fire Extinguisher(s) (motorboats)  Fuel tanks full  Light/Strobe (on life jacket)  Backfire Flame Arrester (motorboats)  Suitable weather and water conditions  Rescue Blanket  Ventilation System (motorboats)  Passengers seated and briefed on  Extra Warm Hats, Mittens, Socks  Whistle or Horn emergency procedures; life jackets  Emergency Position-Indicating Radio  Navigational Lights checked for fit Beacon (EPIRB)  Registration Document  Properly stored and secured gear  Matches (in a waterproof container), Lighter  Boat Number, Permanent Decal and  Float plan left with responsible person or Flint and Steel Validation Decals on shore  Fire Starter    Water Purification Tablets, Filter or Purifier  Distress Signal Devices  Emergency Food and Water  Dry Bag(s) 

Personal Comfort Items Recommended Items  Sunglasses  Dewatering Device (bucket, bailer, bilge pump)

 Sun Screen  Anchor and Line  Hat  Mooring Lines  Food  Extra Lines  Water  Toolkit or Multipurpose Tool  Cooler  Navigation Equipment (maps, compass, GPS)  Warm Clothes  Extra Paddle/Oar  Seat Cushion(s)  Spare Parts (as appropriate)  Drysuit or Wetsuit & Boots  Spare Prop (motorboats)  Insect Repellant  Weather Radio  Binoculars  Knife   Flashlight/Spotlight (with working batteries)  Communications Ability (VHF radio, CB radio, cell phone, satellite phone, 2-way radios)  First Aid Kit (in watertight, floating container)  Prescription Medicine  Repair Kit/Duct Tape  Boat Hook  Extra fuel/oil (motorboats)  A clean boat (remove mud and vegetation so aquatic nuisance species are not transported)

* Required equipment varies by type and length of boat, open or closed construction, inboard, outboard, sail or manual propulsion and whether operation is on state or federal waters. Review the latest editions of Montana Boating Laws booklet and the Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats booklet to determine which requirements apply.